OBITUARY: Ira Lee Simmons

Ira Lee Simmons, 80, of Clay City and formerly of Phillipstown, passed away at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at his home.

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The Carmi Times - Carmi, IL

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Posted Oct. 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Updated Oct 21, 2013 at 9:54 AM

Posted Oct. 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Updated Oct 21, 2013 at 9:54 AM

Clay City

Ira Lee Simmons, 80, of Clay City and formerly of Phillipstown, passed away at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his family, following a six month battle with cancer. Ira was born March 9, 1933 in Phillipstown in White County, son of Hughie and Calvernia (Wolf) Simmons. He married Bonnie Barbee, then later married Betty (Sullens) Simmons on August 31, 1957. They eloped to Henderson, Ky.

Mr. Simmons was in the US Army serving in the Korean Conflict. He was an oil field worker until he became ill in April 2013. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. Ira coached Little League baseball and women's softball. He loved kids and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. Ira was a member of Community Southern Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Simmons of Clay City; three daughters, Nancy (Norman) Puckett, of Carmi, Donna (Mark-fiancé) Stanley, of Clay City, and Diane (Randall) Gill, of Clay City; two sons, Curtis (Julia) Simmons, of Albion and Wendell Simmons, of Clay City; three brothers, Charles (Bonnie) Simmons of Chicago, Eddie (Linda) Simmons, of California, and Donnie (Debbie) Simmons of Macedonia; one sister, Patricia (Ron) Phillips, of Texas; seven grandkids, Jon Risley, of Albion, Patrick (Melissa- fiancé) Puckett, of Monticello, Christopher (Kim) Puckett, of Morris, Alex (Summer) Puckett, of Philo, Kaylee and Baylee Gill of Clay City and Logan Stanley of Clay City; and seven great grandkids, Jordyn, Cole, Keegan, Kenzie, and Evan Puckett, and Marcus and Kimber Risley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hughie and Calvernia Simmons, and two brothers, Ralph and Robert Simmons.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Clay City. Brother Donnie Schaeffer will officiate.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Full military rites will be performed at the funeral home by the Clay City Veterans. Burial will be held at Clay City Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Community Southern Baptist Church.

Summers-Kistler Funeral Home of Clay City is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at summerskistler.com.